Miami, Dec. 20, 2018- Pan Am International Flight Academy and Miami Dade College (MDC) have joined forces to address the critical shortage of commercial pilots expected within the next two decades, by training the future generations of top aviation professionals. These prestigious institutions announced they have signed an agreement to jointly create solid career paths for aviation students that will lead them to success in the dynamic aviation industry.
As part of a unique partnership, students enrolled in certain aviation courses offered by MDC will receive supplemental training provided by Pan Am International Flight Academy, including the establishment of a Pan Am Career Pilot Academy at Miami Executive Airport to conduct a professional flight training program for MDC students. Qualified students may also pursue job opportunities to become flight instructors for the Pan Am Career Pilot Academy while they complete their degree program at MDC. Pan Am will also offer additional training courses at other Pan Am facilities, that seek to provide a greater value to students’ career paths.
Beginning in Spring 2019, the training program will lead to FAA certification for Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, Multi-engine rating, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). The credentials will lead to Restricted Air Transport Pilot certificate (R-ATP).
“This innovative collaboration will help shape the future of our industry and further solidifies our commitment to Miami, to Florida and to the global aviation community,” said Mark Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Pan Am International Flight Academy. “With solid partnerships such as this one with MDC, we are working to develop top quality candidates that meet the needs of the exciting and growing aviation industry. We believe through this collaboration, we can provide our airline customers high caliber pilots with unique exposure to professional aviation training as students build experience for a career in aviation. What better tribute to the Pan Am legacy than to help deliver the next generation of aviation professionals.”
“The global aviation industry is facing a talent skills gap and the need for commercial pilots has never been greater,” added Dr. John Wensveen, Vice Provost of Academic Schools at MDC. “In the United States, there is a need to develop accelerated and affordable career pathways leading to full-time job placement for citizens of our communities that will support sustainable business models. The strategic partnership between Pan Am and MDC creates a new pathway for students seeking to become commercial pilots at an accelerated pace and at a reduced cost incorporating a learn and earn model once the student acquires the Certified Flight Instructor rating. MDC is excited to partner with Pan Am and we look forward to a long-term relationship focused on creating successful career pathways for our students while supporting the needs of the aviation industry.”
A study by Boeing has estimated that there will be a global need for 637,000 new pilots by 2036. Studies have also shown that aviation is one of South Florida’s top industries, with 1 in 4 jobs related to the aviation industry. Miami has always been at the center and a pioneer in the aviation industry.
MDC’s renowned Eig-Watson School of Aviation has been a leader in the aviation field since its beginnings in 1961. As a pioneer in aviation education, it has served the South Florida area as one of the premier institutes of learning. Offering associate degrees and certificate programs designed to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and real-world skills needed to succeed in today’s aviation industry. MDC’s School of Aviation has been training some of the nation’s top aviation professionals throughout its 57-year history.
Pan Am International Flight Academy, headquartered in Miami, FL, has its origins in Pan American World Airways as its original training division, and operates under one of the most recognized brands in the world. This flight academy has comprehensive training solutions that include an Career Pilot Academy located in Kissimmee, Florida and meets the strict hiring criteria of many global airlines.
The company provides aviation training through more than 200 professional training programs and on more than 25 full flight simulators along with a large fleet aircraft planes including both single and multi-engine aircraft and models such as the Cessna 172 G1000 Glass Cockpit, Beechcraft A36 Bonanza and a Beechcraft Duchess.
This collaboration between two local aviation leaders aims to develop a holistic approach to aviation training that will include both technical and traditional education and will be able to contribute to the sustainability and future of the aviation industry.
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About Pan Am International Flight Academy
Pan Am International Flight Academy is a leader in aviation training and has more experience, simulator fleet types and more programs catering to the aviation service industry than any other training organization. As the only surviving division of original Pan American World Airways, Pan Am International Flight Academy can trace its instruction heritage to the earliest days of airline flight training. With locations in Miami, Las Vegas, Tokyo & Europe, Pan Am is dedicated to training the next generation of the world’s aviation professionals. For more information, visit www.panamacademy.com
About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College is the nation’s largest, campus-based institution of higher education with an enrollment of more than 165,000 students. It is also the nation’s top producer of Associate in Arts and Science degrees and awards more degrees to minorities than any other college or university in the country. The college’s eight campuses offer more than 300 distinct degree pathways including several baccalaureate degrees in biological sciences, engineering, data analytics, information systems technology, education, public safety, supervision and management, nursing, physician assistant studies, film and others. MDC is the recipient of top national awards. As Democracy’s College, MDC changes lives through accessible, high quality-teaching and learning experiences. It houses the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, the Eig-Watson School of Aviation, the Idea Center, the School of Advance Studies, the New World School of the Arts, to name a few. MDC has been named among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” by The Chronicle of Higher Education. The College embraces its responsibility to serve as an economic, cultural, and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. Its alumni and employees contribute more than $6 billion annually to the local economy, and MDC graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC is also renowned for its rich cultural programming. It is home of the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the MDC Live! Performing Arts Series, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, the Tower Theater, Dyer Building, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, a sculpture park and a large art gallery system. MDC has admitted more than 2,000,000 students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu
Pan Am International Flight Academy Media Contact: Daniela Martucci, Director of Corporate Communications, 786-452-0331, dmartucci@dmhamericas.com